When it comes to Pringles and hair dye, it's very true that once you pop you can't stop.

There is nothing better than a freshly dyed mane, but six weeks later when you're roots are more than obvious, your schedule is more overworked than the office coffee machine, and your bank balance has hit double digits, hitting the salon isn't always number one priority.

Luckily for us, new hair subscription service, The Shade, has created a solution that will prolong that trip to the salon. And the difference between this and other at-home dyes, is that this arrives in the mail so you’re ready to go as soon a grey shoots through. What's more, it’s permanent and is available in 27 colours.

Oh, and did we mention how stylish the packaging is?

Photo: The packaging / suppliedSource:BodyAndSoul

How the hair service works

The deal is you head online to TheShade.com.au, and start with a colour consolation. This process involves a comprehensive questionnaire about your hair, your skin tone and your requirements to ensure your hair is truly colour matched. Once you’re happy with your shade, you can sign up to a colour plan where you can decide the frequency you want it sent to you. A colour kit costs $24.95. Yep, that easy.

Hilary Duff Explains Why She Changed Her Hair to 'Mermaid' Blue1:08

Hilary Duff explains why she made the choice to dye her hair "mermaid" style.

You then receive a kit with all the trimming to make a mini salon at home. The instructions are easy to follow – whether you’re after a root touch-up or an all over dye. Plus, there are videos online if you’re unsure of any steps.

Quizzing stylist Anthony Nader from Raw Salon and brand ambassador on achieving optimal results, he suggests never going two shades lighter or darker and remembering to section the hair properly for an even coverage. He also stresses the need to use the barrier cream (which comes with the pack) as nobody wants dye on their forehead. While this product is amazing for touch ups, he says that if you want a drastic change be sure to head into a salon for a professional treatment.

Taking one for the team, I trialled the product myself. I did it all over my hair – my hair has some leftover balayage so I wanted a cool shade what would take the brassy tone out of my locks. I was super impressed by the coverage and shine, you can tell the dye is all quality.

In fact, it’s made in Italy and free from nasties like immonia, PPD, parabens and phthalates. It also contains argan oil and ale vera so my hair feels nice and soft.

Photo: My hair after using the dye / suppliedSource:BodyAndSoul

As my hair is pretty low maintenance (I’ve given up on my Giselle-inspired balayage day) I only really get a dye about 2/3 times a year to cover some grey. For me this service is the perfect solution – less money, less time. Just don’t tell my hairdresser.

Those, however, who have more complicated hair orders, might want to use this for touch-ups between salon visits,

At the moment you can receive a free trial (all you pay is $9 for the shipping coat) and receive your colour kit, a tint bowl and brush, 4 hair clips and a colour proof cape, bench mat and storage bag.